On the simpler side of things lifestyle brands are brands that influence the aspirations and ideas of a culture or group by catering to their values and beliefs.
Lifestyle brands should be strategically developed by way of supreme marketing strategies and concepts. To identify with the target audience you’ll want to concentrate on ways to show them the uniqueness of your product and why they should care about it. For instance how likely are you to purchase a t-shirt from the guy spamming your inbox harassing you about their new line of product which inevitably ends up being some lame slogan he’s printed on a Hanes t-shirt and calls it the newest lifestyle brand. The main point here is that is best to spend time building a brand rather than throwing it together without thinking about its purpose.
Face it, you can’t just create a new company and call it a brand for the sake of hoping it will resonate with a target audience. It needs to have some type of meaning or identity. If it were that simple, you could purchase some clear bottles and print out labels for your new line of: Aqua Pure Water. Tagging it as the latest lifestyle brand of product but in reality, it doesn’t have any mutual connection with anyone, let alone the target audience. You need to spend time generating interest and inviting those who’re interested in being involved.
To compete as lifestyle brand marketing strategies must be strong enough to capture the target market, evoke emotion on their values and beliefs and then influence them into action. Whether its to purchase you’re latest merchandise, sign-up for a newsletter or cast a vote in your favor, brand appeal is a key component to lifestyle branding.
So how do you appeal to them?
1. Attack the five senses. Give them more than one way to experience your brand. People usually rely on the visual appeal of a product, but what if you’re able to offer other ways to appeal through the senses. This is likely to leave a longer lasting impression and can be implemented through promo tours, product demonstrations or launch events.
2. Be exactly what you say you are. If you’re offering up a new line of exclusive women’s wristwatches for a small niche group, be exclusive. Don’t worry about the other boat’s captain – float your own boat. Many times companies eager to become a lifestyle brand get caught up in the trickery from what other companies are doing because their target may be a larger marketshare. Go with your own vision and offer what you’re able to.
3. Determine your goals. Is your vision to get all the local high school track teams wearing your new line of training shoes? Has your restaurant created a new signature drink and you want to get people talking about it? Whatever the case make sure the goals of the brand are well defined so you’ll know what you want to accomplish. Once that’s determined, you can segment a target audience and start with marketing strategies to grab their attention.